The Digital Front Porch

My name is Justin Taylor and I represent the State of Tennessee, contest Region 5 in the State of the American address National speech contest. The issue I am most concerned about is the digital divide. Tennessee families and businesses remain without adequate high-speed internet. Others have service but cannot afford it or lack the skills to use it confidently. Without a reliable connection, students lose learning opportunities, patients lose telehealth access, entrepreneurs lose customer and citizens lose a pathway to public information. Our founding principles promise equality, freedom of speech and government with the consent of the governed. Those promises are unfulfilled when geography or income determines the quality of technology that enables personal growth and development in a rapidly changing global technology race. My vision is the Tennessee Digital Front Porch. Universities, libraries, broadband providers, civic groups and local governments would create community connection hubs. Student volunteers would serve as digital neighbors, helping residents find affordable service, develop online skills, access tele-health, apply for jobs and communicate safely with government. Mobile teams could bring devices and training to rural towns. To my family, friends, and members of my university speech club. Please watch my video, score my speech and share it with your networks. Every score strengthens this message and helps me carry Tennessee to the regional and national stages. From Memphis to Mountain City, let us connect every voice, unlock every opportunity and prove that when every Tennessean can join the conversation, Tennessee moves forward together.